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The Senate Committee Chairman on Public Works, Senator John Ballout has expressed the Liberian Government’s preparedness to start working with its own resources on projects, while at the same seeking donor assistance.

The Maryland County Lawmaker made the comment Thursday at the dedication of a 5.1 Kilometer-long Parker-paint- Neezo and GSA Roads combined with the ground-breaking ceremony of the Rehab Road in Paynesville.

Senator Ballout boasted that the dedicated projects were hundred percent (100%) government- funded. He said though the task was heavy, government was equally prepared to begin working with what it has, while trying to counter public perception that every project is funded by donors.

Liberia’s Vice President Joseph Boakai described the projects as a ‘big victory’ for Liberia, saying such projects send signals of peace to foreign nationals residing in Liberia, as well as attract more international partners to Liberia. He thanked the Ministry of Public Works, the S.S.F Construction Company, as well as the Liberian Government for the under-taking.

Giving the background of the Paker-paint-Neezo and GAS Roads yesterday, Assistant Public Works Minister for Operations William L. Slour noted that project began in November 2011.

Mr. Slour estimated the length of the road at about 5.1 Kilometers long. He also noted that the GSA and Rehab Roads started in April 2011. He revealed that the projects were in line with government’s Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS).

He said the roads provide access to community dwellers, alleviate traffic congestion, dust, as well as reduce operational cost on vehicles other than  the social and economic benefits they bring to the country. The Public Works official further told the gathering that the cost of the projects came from their taxes.

“The cost of these projects is from your own pockets. So we urge you to join us to maintain these roads,” said Slour. Montserrado County District #14 Representative Abraham Varmuyan Conneh pleaded with the government for similar projects across the county in the interest of the general.

Representative Conneh told VP Bokai that he was actually envious of the newly dedicated roads in Paynesville, pleading for same to be done in his district on Bushrod Island.

VP Boakai cut the ribbons and drove in a convoy with officials of the Ministry of Public Works, members of the Legislature and others to view the projects following the turn-over ceremonies by SSF Construction Company.